Hawaii Electric Bike Laws
As electric bikes (e-bikes) continue to grow in popularity across Hawaii, it’s important to stay informed about the latest regulations designed to keep riders safe and ensure responsible use on our roads and trails. Recently, Bill 52 was introduced to address key safety concerns and update Hawaii’s e-bike laws, setting clear guidelines for riders, manufacturers, and local authorities.
Let EBikes Hawaii walk you through the new safety regulations, including the class system for e-bikes, age restrictions, and helmet requirements under Bill 52. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the e-bike world, understanding these changes is essential to riding safely and staying compliant with state laws.
In Hawaii, electric bikes are categorized into Class 1, 2, and 3, each with distinct capabilities and legal considerations.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each class as recognized by both federal guidelines and Hawaii state bicycle laws:
Class 1 E-Bikes
Pedal-Assist Only
Motor Assist: Only provides assistance while the rider is pedaling.
Top Speed: Motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
Throttle: ❌ No throttle—you must pedal to engage the motor.
Legal in Hawaii? ✅ Yes.
Where You Can Ride: Bike lanes, bike paths, streets, and shared-use paths.
Minimum Age: 15+
Helmet Requirement: Required if under age 18.
SHOP CLASS 1 E-BIKES:
Class 2 E-Bikes
Throttle-Assisted
Motor Assist: Can be powered without pedaling using a throttle.
Top Speed: Motor stops assisting at 20 mph.
Throttle: ✅ Yes—bike can move without pedaling.
Legal in Hawaii? ✅ Yes.
Where You Can Ride: Bike lanes, bike paths, streets, and shared-use paths.
Minimum Age: 15+
Helmet Requirement: Required if under age 18.
Many Class 2 bikes can be unlocked to achieve Class 3 limits.
SHOP CLASS 2 E-BIKES:
Class 3 E-Bikes
High-Speed Pedal Assist
Top Speed:
Pedal assists up to 28 mph.
Throttle assist up to 20 mph.
Throttle: Varies — not always included or legally permitted.
In Hawaii, if a Class 3 bike has a throttle, the throttle function must cut off at 20 mph, even though pedal assist continues up to 28 mph.
Legal in Hawaii? ✅ Yes. Restricted in some areas
Where You Can Ride: Bike lanes, bike paths, streets, and shared-use paths.
Helmet Requirement: Required if under age 18.
Minimum Age: 15+
SHOP CLASS 3 E-BIKES:
Overall Hawaii E-Bike Rules:
Motor Power Limit: All e-bikes must have a motor ≤ 750 watts (1 hp).
Permit / License Required: No
Registration Required: Yes. $30 one-time fee through the county.
Pedals Required: Must have fully operable pedals to be classified as an e-bike.
Max Motor-Only Speed: Cannot exceed 20 mph while using throttle-assist.
Minimum Age: 15+
Helmet Requirement: Required if under age 18.
E-Bikes and bicycles are restricted from operating on sidewalks located in “business districts”.
It is legal to ride E-bikes and bicycles on sidewalks in “residential areas” under 10mph.
Riders must yield to pedestrians, giving an audible signal before overtaking them.
Explore our collection of road-legal electric bikes —engineered for clean, effortless travel that meets Hawaii state and federal standards. Whether you're navigating city streets or exploring trails, these e-bikes deliver the perfect balance of performance, range, and peace of mind.
Reference:
https://www.honolulupd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EBike_Information_R2-25-1.pdf